TheCup.us introduces “The First Cup” series, which revisits the first running of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (then known as the National Challenge Cup) that took place from the fall of 1913 to the spring of 1914.
Editor’s note: As you read this, you’ll notice a lot of players with just one name. This is not an oversight on our part, but rather, many of the sources of this information (newspapers, publications etc.) only use the last name of players in their stories. If you have confirmation of any of their names, or any other details that would add to our historical records, feel free to reach out to us HERE. We are always looking for help with historical research.
Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.
The Brooklyn Celtics once again barred their opponents from the nets with a 2-0 victory over NYSAL rivals Columbia Oval in the Quarterfinals of the inaugural National Challenge Cup, at Edison Park in Brooklyn.
Up to this point in the tournament, the Celtics had yet to concede a goal, winning 6-0 over Hollywood Inn in the second round and 5-0 over Babcock & Wilcox in the third round.
The Celtics scored a goal in each half. 15 minutes from the start, King made a great run down the side and sent a pass over to Rodney O’Hallaran, who put Brooklyn up 1-0.
Ten minutes after halftime it was King who was on the receiving end of an assist, this time from Patrick Butler, and Brooklyn would eventually secure the 2-0 win.
Heading into the game, the Celtics were unbeaten in the New York State Amateur League (9-0-1, 19 pts). This was only good enough for second place behind Yonkers FC (10-1-1, 21 pts), who were eliminated from the Challenge Cup the day before. Celtic had played two fewer games than Yonkers, but were still in contention, and it appeared to be a two-horse race at that point as Columbia Oval were a distant third with a 8-4-2 record (11 pts).
Path to the Quarterfinals
Brooklyn Celtic
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: 6-0 win vs. Hollywood Inn
Round 3: 5-0 win vs. Babcock & Wilcox
Columbia Oval
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: 5-1 win vs. Clan MacKenzie
Round 3: 2-1 win vs. Alley Boys FC
1913/14 National Challenge Cup Quarterfinals
Brooklyn Celtic 2:0 Columbia Oval
Scoring Summary
Brooklyn: Rodney O’Hallaran (Mike King) – 15th min.
Brooklyn: Mike King (Patrick Butler) – 55th minute
Brooklyn: Frank Mather, James Robertson, Andrew Robertson, David Flanagan, Frank O’Hara, Hugh Kelly, Thomas Campion, Albert Lonie, Rodney O’Hallaran, Mike King, Patrick Butler
Columbia – Hopkins, Harper, Horne, Ellis, Holbrook, Blatchford, P ierson, Woollard, A. Maskell, Spellacy, F. Maskell
Referee – G. Caldicott | Linesmen – Roberts, Slater
THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup
Sept. 12, 1913 / Oct. 11, 1913: How the 1913/14 National Challenge Cup began
Nov. 1, 1913: The inaugural National Challenge Cup gets under way
Nov. 2, 1913: Brooklyn Field Club begins their journey as Round 1 concludes
Nov. 29 1913: Farr Alpaca forfeit Round 1 replay with New Bedford FC
Dec. 6, 1913: Four teams move on to Round 3, two more to be decided by protest or replay
Dec. 14, 1913: Second Round nearly complete as USFA announces protest results, draw for Round 3
Dec. 21, 1913: Third time’s the charm for St. George FC as Round 2 comes to a close
Jan. 12, 1914: Rochester’s MacNaughton Rangers forfeit replay with Niagara Falls Rangers
Jan. 24, 1914: Differing opinions as New Bedford FC eliminates West Philadelphia FC to reach quarterfinals
Jan. 25, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club, Columbia Oval join the quarterfinals
Mar. 8, 1914: Pullman FC beats Hyde Park Blues in Chicago derby to complete quarterfinal field
Mar. 28, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club defeat ‘cup holders’ Yonkers FC to reach Challenge Cup Semifinals
Mar. 29, 1914: Brooklyn Celtic defense carries them past Columbia Oval, into Semifinals
Apr. 5, 1914: Niagara Falls Rangers topple Pullman FC to complete Semifinal field
Apr. 18, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club edge New Bedford FC to reach inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
Apr. 26, 1914: Brooklyn Celtic cruises past Niagara Falls Rangers to reach inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
Before the 1913/1914 Final: By boat or by train, Brooklyn Field Club, Brooklyn Celtic prepare for inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
May 16, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club wins inaugural National Challenge Cup on late winner over Brooklyn Celtic
